The Indian government reduced the annual subsidized LPG cylinder entitlement for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries from nine to four cylinders [1].
This reduction affects millions of low-income households that rely on the government scheme for affordable cooking fuel. The move comes as the cost of living increases for the country's poorest citizens, potentially forcing a return to traditional biomass fuels.
The decision followed a price increase for a 14.2kg LPG cylinder of ₹29 [2]. The quota reduction represents a significant shift from the program's origins; when the scheme launched in 2016, the original quota was 12 cylinders per year [2].
Government officials said the change reflects the average annual LPG consumption of Ujjwala households. They said the adjustment is part of broader support provided through subsidized LPG pricing [1].
Under the new rules, beneficiaries will receive subsidies for only four cylinders annually [1]. This is a reduction of five cylinders compared to the previous limit of nine [1].
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was designed to replace smoky firewood and charcoal with cleaner liquefied petroleum gas. By lowering the subsidy quota, the government aims to align the program with actual usage patterns observed in rural and semi-urban areas [2].
“The annual subsidised LPG cylinder entitlement for PMUY beneficiaries fell from nine to four cylinders.”
The reduction in subsidized cylinders, coupled with rising market prices, indicates a tightening of fiscal support for the PMUY program. This may lead to 'fuel stacking,' where households use subsidized LPG sparingly and revert to cheaper, more polluting solid fuels for a larger portion of their cooking needs, potentially impacting public health goals.
